Phuket to Koh Lanta Ferry: Times, Prices and Piers

The Phuket to Koh Lanta ferry season is back: from November to April, boats leave Rassada Pier on Phuket's east coast every morning and reach Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta in about 1.5 hours by direct speedboat or around 4 hours by big ferry via Phi Phi. Fares run from roughly 1,100 to 1,700 baht one way, and the last boats leave in the early afternoon, so timing matters more than price.

Koh Lanta sits in Krabi province, south-east of Phi Phi, and it is one of the easiest island hops from Phuket once the high season timetable starts. This guide covers which boats run, how long they take, what they cost, where to catch them and what to do if the sea is rough. For a wider look at the island itself, see our Koh Lanta travel guide.

Which boats run from Phuket to Koh Lanta?

There are two kinds of sea crossing, and they suit different travellers.

• Direct speedboats run straight from Rassada Pier to Saladan Pier without stopping at Phi Phi. The crossing takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. Operators sold on the main booking platforms include Bundhaya Speed Boat and Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club, with departures in the morning and around midday.
• Big ferries via Phi Phi sail from Rassada to Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don, where passengers change to a second boat for Lanta. The trip takes around 4 hours in total, including the wait at Tonsai, and these sailings are mainly a November to April service.
• Private speedboat charters are an option for families or groups who want their own schedule, but they cost far more than a shared seat.

If you already know the Phi Phi route from our Phuket to Phi Phi ferry guide, the first leg of the ferry option will feel familiar. The difference is the connection at Tonsai, which can add a long wait on the pier.

Phuket to Koh Lanta ferry times and prices

Timetables change with the season and the operator, so treat the table below as a planning guide and confirm your exact sailing when you book.

Option	Leaves Rassada	Time on board	Typical one way fare	Season
Andaman Wave Master ferry via Phi Phi	08:30 and 13:45	About 4 hours	1,350 baht adult, 1,100 baht child	November to April
Andaman Wave Master speedboat	09:15	About 2 hours	1,700 baht adult with hotel pickup	Daily
Direct speedboats (Bundhaya, Satun Pakbara)	Morning to early afternoon	About 1.5 hours	Roughly 1,260 to 1,500 baht	Most of the year, more sailings in high season

The Andaman Wave Master figures come from the operator's own Phuket to Lanta timetable, which also says its fares include pickup from main Phuket areas such as Patong, Kata, Karon, Phuket Town, Rawai, Nai Harn and Chalong. Speedboat fares on booking sites usually include the boat only, so check whether a transfer to the pier is bundled.

Where do the boats leave from?

All scheduled boats to Koh Lanta leave from Rassada Pier, a few kilometres east of Phuket Town. They do not depart from Chalong Pier or the Patong side of the island, which catches out many first-time visitors. Plan on 45 to 60 minutes by road from Patong, Kata or Karon, and longer at rush hour.

If your ticket has no pickup, a Grab or Bolt car is usually the easiest way to reach the pier. Our Grab vs Bolt in Phuket comparison explains how the two apps differ on price and availability. Aim to be at the pier 30 to 45 minutes before departure to check in and swap your voucher for a boarding pass.

On Koh Lanta, the boats arrive at Saladan Pier at the northern tip of Koh Lanta Yai. Most beach areas, including Long Beach and Klong Dao, are a short taxi or tuk tuk ride from the pier.

Can you go from Phuket airport to Koh Lanta the same day?

Only if you land early. The last sailings to Lanta leave Rassada in the early afternoon, and there are no evening boats. A morning arrival at Phuket International Airport can connect with a midday speedboat if the flight is on time, but anyone landing in the afternoon will usually need a night in Phuket first. Our Phuket airport transfer guide covers the options for reaching your hotel or the pier.

The other choice is the road. A minivan or private car drives from Phuket through Phang Nga and Krabi to the Lanta crossing, using car ferries on the way. It takes most of a day, roughly five to six hours, but it runs year round and is less affected by the sea.

Ferry, speedboat or minivan: which should you choose?

• Choose a direct speedboat if you want the fastest trip and do not mind a bumpier ride. It is the best option for travellers on a short holiday.
• Choose the ferry via Phi Phi if you get seasick easily, have heavy luggage or want to see Phi Phi from the deck. Big ferries are slower but steadier.
• Choose a minivan if you are travelling in the wet season, missed the last boat, or are heading on to Krabi town or Ao Nang. The Phuket to Krabi ferry guide is useful if you want to combine stops.

Weather and safety tips for the crossing

The Andaman Sea is usually calm from December to March, but early November can still bring squalls as the monsoon fades. Check the forecast the day before, and read our guide to Phuket weather in November for what to expect at sea. Morning departures tend to be smoother than afternoon ones.

• Pack valuables, passport and phone in a dry bag, because spray reaches the seats on speedboats.
• Take seasickness tablets about 30 minutes before boarding if you are prone to it.
• Wear the life jacket when the crew hands it out on speedboats.
• Carry some cash for pier fees or a taxi on arrival, as small charges are often cash only.
• Book a few days ahead in December and January, when cheaper ferry seats sell out first.

Phuket to Koh Lanta ferry FAQ

How long is the Phuket to Koh Lanta ferry?

A direct speedboat takes about 1.5 hours from Rassada Pier to Saladan Pier. The big ferry via Phi Phi takes around 4 hours including the change of boats at Tonsai.

Does the Phuket to Koh Lanta ferry run in the low season?

The big ferries via Phi Phi mainly run from November to April. Some speedboats sail for more of the year, but services are thinner and weather cancellations are more common from May to October, when the road route is the safer choice.

Is it cheaper to buy tickets at the pier?

Not usually. Online tickets and agent prices are often similar or lower, and buying ahead secures a seat in peak weeks. Hotel tour desks may add a commission.

Can I visit Koh Lanta as a day trip from Phuket?

It is possible on a private charter, but the travel time makes it a long day. Most visitors stay at least two or three nights to enjoy the beaches and the old town on the east coast.

Photo: Ferry pier on Koh Lanta Yai by Rittigai, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 3.0.